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Cutthroat Trout

Cutthroat Trout

California hosts three distinct cutthroat trout subspecies, each adapted to specific regions. All subspecies exhibit distinctive red to orange slashes under their lower jaws, though these aren't visible until fish exceed 80mm.

Scientific Name: Oncorhynchus clarkii seleniris (Paiute), O. c. clarkii (Coastal), O. c. henshawi (Lahontan)

Physical Characteristics:
  • Sea-run fish are silvery, aquamarine-backed fish that average 12-18 inches.
  • All subspecies exhibit distinctive red to orange slashes under their lower jaws, though these aren't visible until fish exceed 80mm.

What to know

Habitat Distribution

  • Paiute Cutthroat Trout occupying only 37.8 km of stream habitat across five drainages, with the largest population in Silver King Creek drainage in Alpine County.
  • Coastal Cutthroat Trout ranges from Prince William Sound, Alaska to the Eel River in California, representing the southern extent of their range.
  • In California, they inhabit 182 named streams across Humboldt, Del Norte, and Siskiyou counties, with the largest populations in the Smith River, lower Klamath River, and Redwood Creek.
  • They also utilize coastal lagoons including Big Lagoon, Stone Lagoon, and Lake Earl-Talawa complex.
  • Lahontan Cutthroat Trout historically occupied Lake Tahoe and the Carson, Truckee, and Walker river basins but now persist in less than 5% of their original habitat, primarily in isolated headwater streams.

Key Locations

  • Smith River system offers the best opportunities.
  • Smith River (all forks), Klamath River tributaries, Redwood Creek, Prairie Creek, and coastal lagoons like Big Lagoon and Stone Lagoon.
  • Silver King Creek drainage in Alpine County.
  • Lake Tahoe and the Carson, Truckee, and Walker river basins.

Specific Spots

  • Target estuaries, lagoons, and low-gradient coastal streams with deep pools and overhead cover.
  • Fish near sunken trees and brushy shorelines, fallen logs and undercut banks.

Cutthroat Trout FAQ

Answers from onWater's species guide.

What are the best lures and bait for Cutthroat Trout in California?

Small silver or gold spinners and spoons up to 1/4 ounce. Lures that imitate juvenile salmon work well for sea-run fish.

When is the best time to fish for Cutthroat Trout in California?

Coastal Cutthroat Trout fishing in California is open from the last Saturday in May through August 31. Sea-run fish typically arrive in coastal bays and tidewaters by early August, with peak migration in early September.

How do you catch Cutthroat Trout in California?

Cast close to sunken trees and brushy shorelines where cutthroats ambush prey. For fly fishing, strip retrieves work best. Fish streamers near fallen logs and undercut banks.

What do Cutthroat Trout eat?

They feed opportunistically on benthic macroinvertebrates, terrestrial insects, small fish, and during marine phases consume crustaceans, Pacific sand lance, herring, and sculpins. Coastal cutthroats actively prey on salmon e.g.gs and juvenile salmonids, particularly during outmigration periods.

Where do Cutthroat Trout live in California?

Paiute Cutthroat Trout occupying only 37.8 km of stream habitat across five drainages, with the largest population in Silver King Creek drainage in Alpine County. Coastal Cutthroat Trout ranges from Prince William Sound, Alaska to the Eel River in California, representing the southern extent of their range.

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